As a social worker of many years, Kathi has helped people living in poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, delinquency, isolation, obesity, and other challenging situations move from their challenge to a brighter future.  Kathi's passion for engaging people in finding their strengths  and applying those strengths to achieving their goals is the heart of STEP's Emergency Financial Assistance program.  In partnership with the men and women who make American freedoms possible through their sacrifice on behalf of our nation, STEP is building financial well-being among these heroes.  When not at work, Kathi enjoys being with her family, including her two young children, traveling within the United States aquaponics gardening, and reading audiobooks.   

Barbara Fiorina is the Development Manager with Support the Enlisted Project. Barbara has more than twenty-five years of experience working for some of the most well-known nonprofits in the country, including American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels San Diego County, ECOLIFE Conservation, Epilepsy Society and Visting Nurses. Her core strength lies in building trust and loyal relationships with donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and staff. She has a sense of humor, enthusiastic attitude and is willing to take initiative and motivate others to the achieve a goal. Barbara has spent most of her career in San Diego but grew up in Illinois. "It is a pleasure and honor to join the team at STEP as we help build self-sufficiency for enlisted personnel and their families."

Eglantina is a recent 24-year Navy Veteran, who served as Chief Hull Technician in the enlisted ranks. She is single mother who is well versed in the many unforeseen struggles of young military families. Her desire is to continue to assist fellow military families.  She has Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, and an M.S.M. In her free time you can find her modifying her home, backyard, garden, or training/fostering with her rescue partners saving pitbulls from high kill shelters and Mexico.

Selya joined the STEP family in 2021 and is honored to partake in STEP’s mission to help military families like herself. As a military daughter, she understands and knows the financial hardships our young families endure. She is proud to be part of an organization that will always do what is right, honor patriotism and service our country, build relationships, respect others, and continue delivering results with excellence. During her free time, she enjoys being with her friends and family, working out, and binge watching Netflix.

Kristen DeArmond joined STEP in September 2022 as the Development Coordinator. She is a Navy spouse, mother of three, and excited to share her passion of supporting military and veteran families. The family moved to California in 2022 and enjoy meeting new military families, going to the beach, and exploring new things to do in California. Kristen has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and completed her M.B.A. in the Spring of 2022. She is excited to share the vision and mission of STEP to grow and continue to support more military and veteran families.

Linda Disney joined STEP because of its mission to help junior enlisted military families and transitioning veterans in time of financial crisis. As a military spouse, she has witnessed the challenges they face, especially in Washington state where the cost of living is so high. She is committed to raising awareness and collaborating with others to find solutions to this challenge. 

For many years, Linda has worked with organizations to meet the needs of underserved populations. She was the executive director of the Idaho Occupational Therapy Association where she helped increase access to service for low-income individuals in rural communities and worked as an economic development professional with the Boise Economic Development Council and Travel Tacoma addressing rural to urban growth issues. Linda is an active Rotary and Optimist Club member, and a volunteer leader with Optimist International.

Linda has a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in journalism. In addition to her passion for volunteering, she loves dogs, and travel. She grew up in the St. Louis area and for 23 years has called the Pacific Northwest home. 

Jennifer Handy is the Institutional Giving Manager at Support the Enlisted Project and has worked in the nonprofit field for more than twenty years. After growing up in New England and graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Jennifer moved cross-country and began her career at the University of San Diego working in the Office of Foundation Relations. She then moved to California State University San Marcos as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, and next went on to Interfaith Community Services to serve as the Grants Manager. Jennifer has a passion for helping people, improving the lives of those around her, and nurturing the success of others both in her personal and professional life. As the daughter of a Navy Veteran and the sister of a Marine Veteran, she is honored to be part of the STEP team where she can give back to the military community. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and explores San Diego from a “tourist” perspective, always looking to discover new places and enjoy new experiences.